Alexa Dectis (born March 5, 1993) is an American lawyer and former child actress.[1] She has been a spokesperson for the Muscular Dystrophy Association since age five. Diagnosed with type 2 spinal muscular atrophy as a child, she uses a wheelchair.[2]
Alexa Dectis | |
---|---|
Born | Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S. | March 5, 1993
Education | George Washington University, (BA) Chapman University School of Law (JD) |
Occupation | Attorney |
Years active | 1998–present |
Early life and education
editDectis was born March 5, 1993, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at 16 months and has used an electric wheelchair since age two.[3]
Dectis graduated from the George Washington University in May 2015.[2] While in college, she became a member of Kappa Delta sorority.[4] Dectis went on to attend the Chapman University School of Law, where she concentrated in entertainment law and protecting minors in the entertainment industry. Dectis says her childhood in the entertainment industry made her realize the importance of protecting children in the industry.[5]
Career
editAfter enrolling in acting classes at age five, Dectis appeared in numerous television shows, commercials, and movies, including PBS Kids, Scholastic Books, Sesame Street, The Guiding Light, and the movie Admissions, starring Tina Fey.[3]
After graduating from law school in 2019, Dectis passed the California bar exam in July of that year.[6] In 2022, she was named to the Forbes 30 Hollywood and Entertainment List for her work overseeing child labor law compliance across film and television projects.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Alexa Dectis". www.alexadectis.com.
- ^ a b "Alumna Becomes Advocate, Inspiration For Those With Disabilities". GW Today.
- ^ a b Miller, Hawken (16 May 2022). "Woman With SMA on Forbes' Top 30 List: 'Work Ethic Outshines Disability'". Retrieved 2022-07-13.
- ^ "Angelos Fall 2014 Page 20". www.onlinedigeditions.com. Retrieved 2016-04-06.
- ^ Perez, Pj (2019-05-09). "Former Child Actor Plans to Use Her Law Degree to Help Protect Others". Chapman Newsroom. Retrieved 2022-07-13.
- ^ S, Corinne; More, s on I. love losing my... Read (2019-11-25). "Woman With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Shares Moment She Finds Out She Passed Bar Exam". InspireMore. Retrieved 2022-07-13.
- ^ "Alexa Dectis (28): Associate Counsel, Skydance Media". Forbes. Retrieved 2022-07-13.